Colorado

RonKent · 06-30-2011, 02:59 PM

We are taking our first long trip in our 5th wheeler and are in Denver. We plan to go to
Gunnison and then on to Durango starting tomorrow. How are the roads for pulling a 30 foot RV ? Any suggestions for the best route/roads to Gunnison/Durango ?

golden · 06-30-2011, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonKent

We are taking our first long trip in our 5th wheeler and are in Denver. We plan to go to
Gunnison and then on to Durango starting tomorrow. How are the roads for pulling a 30 foot RV ? Any suggestions for the best route/roads to Gunnison/Durango ?

The way I went was to go down to Hwy 50 (whichever way is easiest for you depending where you are in Denver) and take that to Gunnison. My preference from Gunnison to Durango is the long way. Go to Montrose and then take 550 to Ridgeway, take 62 to 145 to 184 (just east of Dolores) to 160 at Mancos and then 160 on to Durango. This is a longer way to go than 50, 149 and 550, but just as pretty and much safer. Some will advocate 50 from Gunnison to 149 to 550, but I feel that is potentially dangerous for someone who is not used to a semi-large rig on their first trip.

KIX · 06-30-2011, 05:25 PM

I have to agree with Golden. Hwy 550 from Ouray up to Silverton is no the road you want to travel unless you are very comfortable with 2 lane mountainous roads with no guard rails. then from Silverton down the mountain to Durango doesn't have quite the pucker factor but you'll be using low gears and/or lots of brakes on the way downhill.

wackymac · 06-30-2011, 05:49 PM

Two years ago we traveled from Ouray to Silverton to Durango with our 31' Fleetwood Fiesta. The only thing I did was to disconnect the Toad and had the wife drive it following me. The road was no sweat. Most of it had a 25 mph speed limit. I kept an eye on the rear view mirror and when traffic started backing up I pulled over and let them by. If I was doing the speed limit I didn't worry too much about the traffic behind me. At least in that direction you are against the mountain and not looking down 500'.

KIX · 06-30-2011, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wackymac

Two years ago we traveled from Ouray to Silverton to Durango with our 31' Fleetwood Fiesta. The only thing I did was to disconnect the Toad and had the wife drive it following me. The road was no sweat. Most of it had a 25 mph speed limit. I kept an eye on the rear view mirror and when traffic started backing up I pulled over and let them by. If I was doing the speed limit I didn't worry too much about the traffic behind me. At least in that direction you are against the mountain and not looking down 500'.

The OP mentions that he will be towing a 5th wheel.........they track a little different than a motorhome.

ga traveler · 06-30-2011, 06:01 PM

I am usually a no sweat guy. However this section of 550 was featured on america's most dangerous roads. I drove this in my toad. I left my motorhome at Durango.